My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan Dearborn. I am majoring in Biology with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. I developed my skills at home, through friendships, and through jobs. Growing up, I observed my father manage our household. His attention to detail during grocery shopping and household chores left a lasting impression. Since my father has a back injury, I often have to help grocery shop and bring the groceries into the house. Also, I do the chores around the house that he cannot. He is not experienced with navigating the computer. I help him pay bills and order products online. I learned to organize, budget, and prioritize tasks effectively. These activities instilled discipline and resourcefulness, skills that extend beyond the home. My father and I live with my grandfather. My grandfather’s health challenges required constant monitoring. I took on the responsibility of reminding him to take his medication, ensuring he stayed on track. This experience taught me empathy, patience, and the importance of consistent support. It also reinforced the value of small acts of kindness in making a significant impact. I have developed friendships from school and the neighborhood. As a friend, I’ve mastered the art of active listening. Whether it’s a late-night chat or a heart-to-heart conversation, I lend an ear. When my friends doubt themselves, I encourage them, try to be positive, and motivate them. One of my friends wants to be a beautician. I pay her to do my hair so that she can get experience. During my second semester in college, I started a work study job. As a mentor in my work study program, I guide fellow students through academic challenges, career decisions, and personal growth. My role extends beyond academics; I listen, empathize, and encourage them to overcome obstacles. This experience has sharpened my communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Seeing my mentees achieve their goals, whether acing an exam or gaining confidence, inspire me to do more. I’ve realized that helping others succeed makes me feel happy. It’s not just about imparting knowledge. It’s about empowering them to be their best selves. I see how each skill I developed, whether at home or in my work study role, has contributed to my purpose. I’ll keep developing my abilities. Each skill acquired is a step toward making a positive impact. I’ll strive to empower others, making their journey a little brighter.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan Dearborn. I am majoring in Biology with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. My favorite tech invention of the last 10 years is virtual reality. Virtual reality transports us to places we’ve never been. Whether it’s standing atop the Eiffel Tower or diving into the Great Barrier Reef, virtual reality allows us to explore the world without leaving our living rooms. Healthcare, education, architecture, and engineering have incorporated virtual reality into their career. Surgeons practice complex procedures, students engage in immersive learning, and architects visualize designs. It can also help medical students and professionals can explore 3D models of the human body. They can dissect virtual organs, study intricate structures, and gain a deeper understanding of anatomy. Virtual reality helps to solve real problems like overcoming phobias through exposure therapy, and training astronauts for space missions. Virtual reality brings people together. People in different states or countries can see each other and interact with each using the headset. Virtual reality is a tool that help reshape our experiences and expands our horizons. Virtual reality has evolved from being for playing games to tools for work. Its impact over the last 10 years has been revolutionary. Here’s how I envision using my degree. As a vet, I’ll provide compassionate care to pets and wildlife. My STEM background will enable me to diagnose illnesses, perform surgeries, and improve animal well-being. I aim to uplift the community by offering free or low-cost veterinary services. Low-income pet owners often struggle to afford proper care. By volunteering my skills, I can bridge this gap. I’ll organize workshops and educational sessions to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. I'll teach kids and adults about animal health and how to take care of animals. Beyond Veterinary Practice My STEM degree won’t stop at the clinic door. I’ll collaborate with local food banks to provide pet food to struggling families. Well-fed pets lead to healthier communities. I will also collaborate with pet shelters. I will host community health clinics where I will offer basic veterinary check-ups. I will ensure pets receive essential care regardless of financial constraints. I’ll advocate for animal welfare policies, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership. By engaging with policymakers, I can create lasting change. In conclusion, my passion for STEM, coupled with my dream of becoming a veterinarian, drives me to uplift the community. Through education, outreach, and compassionate care, I’ll make a positive impact.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Michigan Dearborn. I am majoring in Biology with a Pre-Veterinary concentration. I was introduced to STEM careers through a Detroit, MI program called DAPCEP (Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program) and also college programs. In the summers I would participate in various summer classes. These classes gave me hands-on experiences like creating apps and exploring a cadaver. After completing a Medical Explores class through DAPCEP, I knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I did not know which field until I helped a neighborhood stray cat. The cat had a jar stuck on its head. No one wanted to remove the jar because they were afraid the cat would attack. I got up enough courage to approach the cat and remove the jar. I felt happy and a sense of pride that I helped an animal when others would not. After the encounter with the cat, I started volunteering at an animal shelter in order to gain more experience with animals. The ability to solve complex problems and create practical solutions is inspiring. I’m drawn to the challenge of tackling real-world issues. I think STEM fields directly impact people’s lives. As a veterinarian, I can contribute to animal welfare, public health, and impact animals and humans' lives. My Passion to become a veterinarian aligns with my love for animals and my desire to make a difference. Here’s how I envision using my STEM degree. As a vet, I’ll provide compassionate care to pets and wildlife. My STEM background will enable me to diagnose illnesses, perform surgeries, and improve animal well-being. I aim to uplift the community by offering free or low-cost veterinary services. Low-income pet owners often struggle to afford proper care. By volunteering my skills, I can bridge this gap. I’ll organize workshops and educational sessions to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. I'll teach kids and adults about animal health and how to take care of animals. Beyond Veterinary Practice My STEM degree won’t stop at the clinic door. I’ll collaborate with local food banks to provide pet food to struggling families. Well-fed pets lead to healthier communities. I will also collaborate with pet shelters. I will host community health clinics where I will offer basic veterinary check-ups. I will ensure pets receive essential care regardless of financial constraints. I’ll advocate for animal welfare policies, emphasizing the importance of responsible pet ownership. By engaging with policymakers, I can create lasting change. In conclusion, my passion for STEM, coupled with my dream of becoming a veterinarian, drives me to uplift the community. Through education, outreach, and compassionate care, I’ll make a positive impact.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I attend University of Michigan Dearborn. I am an undergraduate. My major is biology with a pre-vet concentration. Attending a summer program called Medical Explorers got be interested in the medical field, but I didn't know which field until I encountered a neighborhood cat. The cat had a jar stuck on its head. No one wanted to remove the jar because they were afraid the cat would attack. I got up enough courage to approach the cat and remove the jar. I felt happy and a sense of pride that I helped an animal when others would not. In high school I started volunteering at an animal shelter in order to gain more experience with animals. I remember my first day: the barking of dogs, and the hopeful eyes of abandoned dogs. As I walked dogs and provided comfort to frightened animals, I realized the immense responsibility that comes with caring for these helpless creatures. The shelter environment taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves. One particular dog left a mark on me. It was an older German Shepard, graying around the muzzle, and loved to chase squirrels. Someone who was watching me walk him said he was leading me because he was out in front choosing our path. Despite his hardships, he exuded wisdom. Spending time with the Shepard made me appreciate the resilience of older animals and their unique needs. I dreamed of creating a safe ranch for them someday. I dream of a ranch with a lot of land, where older dogs and unwanted dogs could find a home. Here, they would roam freely, their days filled with sunshine, companionship, and love. The ranch would be a place of healing. It would be a sanctuary where each dog’s twilight years would be cherished. I envisioned the Shepard there, surrounded by other senior dogs. They’d bask in the sun, tails wagging, sharing stories of their new home. Volunteers would join us, helping with daily care, administering medications, and celebrating every small victory. It would be nice seeing a dog’s first playful bark, a hesitant tail wag, or a trusting gaze. My experiences at the shelter and my dream of the ranch fueled my determination. I knew that becoming a veterinarian was the way to make a lasting impact. I wanted to diagnose illnesses, and advocate for preventive care. I want to be the bridge between animals and their wellbeing. And so, I embarked on my educational journey. I enrolled at the University of Michigan Dearborn and majored in Biology with a Pre-Veterinarian concentration. The University started my courses with some of the prerequisites needed for Veterinary College. My first year was not easy. I had to adjust the way I studied. I found out studying for college is different than high school. The late nights studying, attending study groups, and passing my class brings me closer to realizing my dream of creating a haven for older dogs and unwanted dogs. In conclusion, my journey to veterinary medicine was shaped by compassion, resilience, and a vision of a better world for animals. Volunteering at the shelter and dreaming of my ranch gave me a purpose. As I continue my education, I carry the Shepard's spirit with me. It's a reminder that every life matters, regardless of age or circumstance.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I attend University of Michigan Dearborn. I completed my first year there. I am majoring in Biology with a Pre-Veterinary track. I started volunteering at an animal shelter in high school. I enjoy walking the dogs and interacting with them. A dream I have is to own a large ranch and adopt older dogs and unwanted dogs. The impact of my mother on my life is immeasurable. Her unwavering support, guidance, and love have been instrumental in shaping the person I am today. She is one of my role models. From my earliest memories, my mother has been a constant source of encouragement and support. She instilled in me the importance of education and the power of knowledge. She would sit with me for hours, helping me with my homework, patiently explaining concepts I found difficult to grasp. Her dedication to my academic success was unwavering. She would always find summer career programs to enroll me in. Because of a medical explorer summer program, I wanted a career in the medical field. When I told her that I wanted to be a veterinarian she enrolled me in a summer veterinarian program. She believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and her faith in my abilities pushed me to strive for excellence. My mother's guidance extended beyond academics. She taught me invaluable life lessons and helped me navigate the complexities of life. For example, when I turned 16, she helped me open my own bank account. She guided me through my failures and celebrated my successes. Her advice has been my guide, helping me make decisions that have shaped my life's path. She is not just my mother, but also my role model. Her strength, resilience, and kindness are qualities I admired and aspired to emulate. She leads by example, showing me that it's not just about what you achieve in life, but also about the kind of person you become along the way. She embodies the values of compassion, humility, and perseverance, and these values have become the foundation of my character. My mother's influence on my life has been profound and transformative. She helped me become a person who values education, who understands the importance of hard work, and who strives to be kind and compassionate. She has been my guiding star, illuminating my path and leading me towards becoming the best version of myself. In conclusion, my mother's impact on my life has been immense. Her unwavering support in my studies, her invaluable guidance through life's ups and downs, and her exemplary qualities that I strive to emulate have all been instrumental in shaping who I am today. I am, and will always be, a reflection of my mother's love, wisdom, and strength.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I attend the University of Michigan Dearborn. I am an undergraduate and my major is biology with a pre-vet concentration. College has been a learning experience for me. I find that I have to learn new study techniques to keep up in class. My first semester I earned a 3.1 grade point average, but my second semester I had to drop a class. Since I dropped the class, I am no longer a full-time student. I will lose some of my financial aid. I actually have two favorite animals. One of my favorite animals are seals. Seals has the nicest big soulful eyes, and they are smart. When I was younger, I remember seeing them perform different acts. Seals in the wild seems carefree. They enjoy soaking up the sun and the simple life. Seals inhabit both land and sea, bridging two worlds. They are very agile in water. This is a trait that I admire. Seals with their vulnerability and resilience inspire me and I would like an internship working with them. Attending a summer program called Medical Explorers got me interested in the medical field, but I didn't know which field until I encountered a neighborhood cat. The cat had a jar stuck on its head. No one wanted to remove the jar because they were afraid the cat would attack. I got up enough courage to approach the cat and remove the jar. I felt happy and a sense of pride that I helped an animal when others would not. I want to be a voice for animals. Animals cannot communicate using our language. This means I have to look at their body gestures or hear a yelp or wine to know something is wrong. I am willing to find new and creative ways to understand and interact with them. Also, veterinarian school and internships will give me techniques on knowing when something is wrong with an animal. I want to help an owner's animal companion stay healthy. Owners love their animals because they give unconditional love, they offer comfort, and they listen. When I see a stray animal on the street, the first thing I want to do is help it. I'll check to see if it's malnourished or have a collar. If it is malnourished, I'll call animal control with the animal's location. In conclusion, I want to work with animals because I can help the animal stay healthy through veterinarian services. I can use my skills to interpret what an animal might be feeling. I can reach out to animal agencies to seek help for the animal.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I attend University of Michigan Dearborn. I am an undergraduate. My major is biology with a pre-vet concentration. Attending a summer program called Medical Explorers got be interested in the medical field, but I didn't know which field until I encountered a neighborhood cat. The cat had a jar stuck on its head. No one wanted to remove the jar because they were afraid the cat would attack. I got up enough courage to approach the cat and remove the jar. I felt happy and a sense of pride that I helped an animal when others would not. I want to be a voice for animals. Animals cannot communicate using our language. This means I have to look at their body gestures or hear a yelp or wine to know something is wrong. I am willing to find new and creative ways to understand and interact with them. Also, veterinarian school and internships will give me techniques on knowing when something is wrong with an animal. I want to help an owner's animal companion stay healthy. Owners love their animals because they give unconditional love, they offer comfort, and they listen. When I see a stray animal on the street, the first thing I want to do is help it. I'll check to see if it's malnourished or have a collar. If it is I'll call animal control with the animals location. In conclusion, I want to work with animals because I can help the animal stay healthy through veterinarian services. I can use my skills to interpret what an animal might be feeling. I can reach out to animal agencies to seek help for the animal.

My name is Gabrielle Nettles-Owens. I am a senior in high school. I have been on the honor roll since my freshman year of high school. I will be a freshman in college in the fall. I grew up in a low-income household in Detroit, Michigan. When I was younger I did not know I was low-income. I never thought about why my mom shopped at thrift stores, why she went to churches to eat and find clothes, or why she went to food distribution centers. She would search for a coupon or sale for most things. When I was younger I just knew I had clothes to wear and food to eat. As I got older, I learned about where she shopped. I wanted new clothes from department stores, not used clothes. I wanted to select what groceries I wanted in a grocery store all of the time, not just some of the time. When the opportunity came for me to make some money, I took it. In high school, I learned of an employment program that the city offered for teens. I started working in the GDYT program in the summer after my sophomore year. I worked during the fall of my junior year and the summer after my junior year. During my senior year, I found a job at my high school. My school has a culinary class and my culinary teacher offered six of his students a job working with him. Working has allowed me to make and spend my own money. When shopping for myself at department stores and grocery stores, I see the cost of things. Clothes, technology and groceries can be expensive. I often look for sales and coupons. I'll buy technology used or refurbished. In middle school, I did not fully understand algebra. We did not have money for a tutor. My mom started helping me on weekends using an online site she learned about from a teacher. The Kahn Academy helped me improve my math skills. In high school, I am getting A's and B's in math. My mom always talks about learning and doing something new. I participated in a career exploration program that meets on weekends during the fall and for one week during the summer. I have been participating in different DAPCEP camps since freshman year. After taking the medical explorers camp, I wanted to go into the medical field. Also, on some weekends I volunteer at an animal shelter. This gives me some experience of being around animals. My goal is to become a veterinarian. My long-term goal is to open a vet clinic. I know that some pet owners may need help sometimes. I want to offer free and reduced-priced pet food maybe once a week. I want to offer a free pet check-up once a month. I want to partner with animal shelters. I will show teens what a veterinarian does in the clinic through mentoring.

When going back to school, I suggest that you get good grades. Getting good grades isn't the only thing important. You should also participate in clubs and sports. School shouldn't just be about grades, you should make sure to enjoy school life (especially in high school). During high school, you should make sure not to skip so you don't fail a class and have to retake it your senior year. You also want to start applying for scholarships early.

I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because it will help me accomplish my dreams of becoming a veterinarian. I participated in a C2 Pipeline summer program at Wayne State University. The program I did there was the Intro to Veterinary Science. The camp taught me what it takes to become a vet and what they do on a daily bases. I also got a chance to interact with animals. I chose to volunteer at an animal shelter so that I could gain more experience with animals since I want to become a veterinarian. Helping a cat in my neighborhood made me want to be a veterinarian. Let me expand on helping the cat. There was a cat with a bag stuck on his head wandering around the neighborhood. No one wanted to help take the bag off of his head. I felt sorry for the cat and cautiously approached it. Reacting quickly, I snatched the bag off of the cat's head and freed it. I felt proud that I accomplished something that no one else wanted to do. I've applied at different shelters to become a volunteer and gain more experience. To tie in with being a veterinarian I want to open my vet clinic. I also want to give back to the community by giving away pet food and vaccines. Throughout my three years of high school, I've gotten a 3.0 and higher GPA and have been on the honor roll. As a student, I strive to do more by completing all my class assignments, turning in all my homework, and participating in programs outside of school. During my ninth grade school year, I became a member of The National Society of High School Scholars. I also want to contribute to society and be successful. I can contribute by volunteering, mentoring, giving to charity, helping a community service organization, and standing up for a cause. I don't want my contributions to just be fulfilled in the future, so I've already gotten a head start. In school, I'm in a senior leadership program where I have to mentor younger classmen. High school and other experiences are helping me prepare for college. While coming from a low-income home, it can be a struggle to pay for tuition per semester. I believe this scholarship can help me pay for tuition and textbooks. It can also help me stay away from loans and keep me out of student debt.

My future goal in life is to become a veterinarian and open my own vet clinic. I also want to give back to the community by giving away pet food and vaccinees.

My favorite scientific discovery would have to be DNA. When you hear DNA, you may think of blood or genetics, but in reality, there is way more than what meets the eye. In the 1950s, three people were in a race to discover the "blueprint of life." Through this discovery, we learn that DNA contains the basic instruction for organisms to reproduce, grow, and develop. As technology has progressed, we have found different ways to use DNA. Many examples of modern-day uses for DNA would include forensics, vaccines, and ancestry tracking. DNA is what makes life; it's what differentiates every living organism from one another. If it weren't for DNA, there would be no evolution or opportunities to cure disease. In 2019 Japan started experimenting with human-animal embryos. There sciantific is chimeras. Scientists are modifying animal DNA with human DNA to create organs. The human-animal hybrids can be used to find cures for human diseases. The future of veterinarians could drastically change because pets may have human DNA. As a future veterinarian, I might have to treat human diseases in an animal. I believe the human-animal hybrids would help find cures for human disease and change the medical field forever.